16, including Kendel Ehrlich, vie to replace Leopold in Anne Arundel

ANNAPOLIS — Sixteen people applied by Friday’s deadline to fill in for the rest of former Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold’s term, including a former first lady of Maryland and a current state delegate.

Former first lady Kendel Ehrlich, ex-Gov. Robert Ehrlich’s wife, is on the list for consideration by the County Council. Acting County Executive John Hammond announced he was applying Friday. Anne Arundel County Delegate Steve Schuh also has put his name in for consideration.

Because Leopold is a Republican, all of the prospective replacements also are members of the GOP.

Others include Tom Angelis, Phil Bissett, David Cordle, Ingrid Dean and Ron Elfenbein, who ran for state Senate in 2010 against Sen. John Astle.

John Gary, who was county executive from 1994 to 1998, also has applied.

Rick Hoover, Patrick Jameson and Curtis Kingland also are seeking the job. Laura Neuman, Millard Snowden, James Wilhelm and Derick Young also have applied.

There are about 22 months left in the four-year term. The next election is in November 2014.

The County Council is scheduled to choose a replacement Thursday night.

Leopold resigned this month after a judge found him guilty of misconduct in office for using his security detail to perform political campaign activities while on the job and making staffers empty his urine catheter bag.